Kate Marie Mushinsky

BROWNSVILLE, TX. – Kate Marie Mushinsky, of Wallingford, Connecticut, died peacefully of a heart condition at her home in Brownsville, Texas on 11th of January 2025. Born on the 8th March1959, Kate was 65. In semi-retirement, Kate had been working as a Physical Therapist Assistant with Valley Healing Hands in Brownsville.

Brilliant, beautiful, and restless, Kate followed a winding path to the West from her birthplace in Connecticut. After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, Connecticut, which she attended on the Father Morrisey Scholarship, Kate detoured through the music business, did a little modeling (an elegant, athletic six-footer, she turned heads), and worked in different branches of the hospitality industry including restaurants, clubs, and hotels. She moved frequently during this time, living briefly in Florida before relocating near her sister Ann in Denver, Colorado.

In 1991 the birth of her only child, George Matthew Mushinsky, inspired her to pursue higher education and a meaningful career. She resettled in Virginia near her brother Pete and began her education at Christopher Newport College, then transferred to the College of William & Mary where she won a scholarship from the Order of the White Jacket, an organization dedicated to supporting restaurant workers. These years were hard for Kate, a single mother working full-time and taking a demanding course load, but she had warm memories of homework time with George at their kitchen table, sharing a little pile of candy to make the math go easier.

After Kate earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from The College of William & Mary, she became a licensed PTA and immediately found work in Williamsburg. For perhaps the first time in her life, everything seemed to be going well. Kate bought a lovely townhouse in a quiet, leafy neighborhood; enjoyed working with her patients, who loved her in return; made a few good friends; and delighted in George’s success at Walsingham Academy.

Sadly, this peaceful period was cut short by George’s tragic death at 18, a few weeks before his high school graduation. Although her strength remained, Kate’s spirit never truly recovered. She left Virginia brokenhearted and spent the next few years as a contract PTA, serving communities in Colorado’s front range and small towns in southern New Mexico. Although her chosen career was physically and emotionally demanding, Kate found fulfillment and moments of joy in helping elderly, injured, or disabled people gain strength, flexibility, and confidence. She was especially close to her youngest patients, disabled children in public schools across New Mexico and southern Texas. Throughout her career, Kate treated each of her patients with respect, skill, and kindness, often bringing little gifts–cakes and cards, jokes and flowers–to lift their spirits and celebrate their milestones.

Kate was singular, impossible to forget and hard to keep up with, whether in competitive swimming, tennis, or Setback tournaments. She was witty, brave, strong, generous, and conscientious; her great heart encompassed dogs and birds and wild creatures as well as her patients, friends, and family.

Kate was predeceased by her parents, Edward S. Mushinsky and Rita (Marguerite O’Leary) Mushinsky; her brother, Mark S. Mushinsky; and her son, George Matthew Mushinsky.

She is survived by her brother, Peter L. Mushinsky; sisters Rep. Mary Mushinsky, Dr. Ann Mushinsky-Tralles, and Jane M. Mushinsky; niece, Clair Tralles; nephews Martin Waters, Edward Waters, Stephen Tralles, Ian Tralles, and Will Tralles; and her grandson, Luke Loftin.

A gathering in Kate’s honor will be held from two o’clock to four o’clock in the afternoon on the 21st of June 2025 at the Hungarian Community Club, 147 Ward Street, Wallingford, Connecticut.

In lieu of floral arrangements and customary remembrances, contributions may be given to the Brownsville Animal Regulation & Care Center (BARCC) located at 416 FM 511, Brownsville, Texas 78575, or to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), www.worldwildlife.org.

Memories of Kate may be shared at www.darlingmouser.com.

Personalized funeral arrangements directed by Steven R. Hieu Bailey, CFSP and Staff have been entrusted to the care of Darling-Mouser Funeral Home at 945 Palm Boulevard in Brownsville, Texas 78520, (956) 546-7111.